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It was a banner landing.
A quick-witted 18-year-old pilot landed his single-engine plane on a south Jersey bridge on Monday afternoon during an emergency landing, reports said.
Landon Lucas, who flies for Paramount Air Service, reported that his banner-carrying Piper had engine problems while flying near Steel Pier in Atlantic City, WPVI reported.
The fast-acting aviator raised his banner in the ocean as he attempted to reach the Ocean City Municipal Airport, but decided to land the plane on Route 52 Causeway.
He landed without a scratch for himself or anyone on the road, officials said.
Eyewitness Daniel Lepone told the media outlet he was on his way home when he saw the plane “go lower and lower”.
“I heard a loud boom and the propeller and it was really loud and I could see it slowly drifting down. It was pretty scary,” he said.
Justin Dugary, a pilot who watched the drama unfold from his boat, told Fox 29 that Lucas’s landing was a classic example of what to do in an emergency.
“It’s not easy. It’s really a challenge. I’m very proud of him. It’s really phenomenal that he was able to do it safely,” he said.
Rose Savastano, who works at the nearby Ocean City Visitor Center, said she could see the pilot standing near the plane shortly after landing.
“He made a perfect landing. He’s fine, ”she told Atlantic City press.
The Federal Aviation Administration – which is investigating the incident with the National Transportation Safety Board – said the pilot of the Piper J3C-65 Cub declared an emergency at 12:37 p.m.
On his Facebook page, Lucas proudly sports a certificate as he stands near a Cessna 172.
“Officially professional pilot! he wrote on April 30.
Paramount Air Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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